Canadian-based Gracious Living Corp. To Establish First US Factory In Buffalo, New York

Area Development News Desk

09/26/2013

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A Canadian-based manufacturer and distributor of outdoor furniture and housewares, Gracious Living Corporation, will invest tens-of-millions of dollars to locate its first U.S. plastic injection molding plant and warehouse in Buffalo, New York, creating 250 jobs.

The Governor’s Office said Port Terminal buildings A and B on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor have much deferred maintenance, and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has been anxious to put these two buildings to use as a job-creating project and pass on the cost of maintaining them. The approximately 49.5 acres site, located at 901 Fuhrmann Boulevard, will be sold at a negotiated price of $4.7 million. Upon execution of the Disposition Agreement, Gracious Living will have a 120-day due diligence period to conduct environmental testing and other investigations.

“Gracious Living Corporation will breathe new life into two abandoned waterfront structures and facilitate private sector investment and job growth in Western New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “We are pleased to welcome the company to build their first U.S. plant to serve its growing U.S. market, as we continue to foster redevelopment on Buffalo’s waterfront and revive New York’s manufacturing industry.”

Gracious Living Corporation, of Toronto, Canada, will receive $2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from the State in return for the company’s job creation commitments resulting from its investment.

“The U.S. market is an important part of our growth plans and having a U.S. based facility demonstrates our commitment to serving and growing our U.S. customer base. We have found the state and local governments very helpful and supportive in building the case for locating our first U.S. plant in Buffalo which we appreciate and look forward to working with them going forward,” said Gracious Living President Enzo Macri.

“The sale of this property is a very sound strategic decision that follows Governor Cuomo’s visionary plan for Buffalo’s waterfront,” said NFTA Chairman Howard A. Zemsky. “It provides the NFTA with a global solution for exiting its waterfront property; at the same time helping to create job growth in the region and generate much needed revenue for the NFTA.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Proving that manufacturing is still alive and well in Western New York, the long-vacant former port buildings on Buffalo’s outer harbor will soon be home to a furniture manufacturer and more than 100 new jobs. Gracious Living will be utilizing the buildings, the location and our skilled local workforce to help revitalize the outer harbor. This Canadian company, which chose Buffalo as its first United States manufacturing location, is an exciting piece of the puzzle for bringing the property along Fuhrmann Boulevard back to life.”

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise President and CEO Thomas Kucharski said, “Gracious Living’s significant investment and job creation commitment is one more impressive announcement in a string of great advanced manufacturing projects coming to our region over the last 36 months. This project reinforces what a great economic driver our waterfront can be, especially when combined with the rest of our great manufacturing assets.”